Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masonic Celebration Of Her Majesty's Jubilee At The Albert Hall.
THE MASONIC CELEBRATION OF HER MAJESTY'S JUBILEE AT THE ALBERT HALL .
The Albert Hall was on Monday for the second time the scene of a brilliant and impressive ceremony . On the occasion of the instalation of onr Royal Grand Master , twelve years ago , _ thc number was somewhat larger , and the proceedings were more strictly of a Masonic character , Grand Lodge having been opened in due form ; but as an
imposing spectacle we question if that ever memorable meeting was not surpassed by the one on Monday . The absolutely perfect arrangements made by the Grand Director of Ceremonies , Sir Albert Woods , the arduous Avork of Bro . T . Fenn , on whom devolved the
organisation and the working out of every detail in connection with the seating and arrangement of the brethren , and the equally painstaking labours of the Grand Secretary , Bro . Col . Shadwell Gierke , have resulted in a perfect success .
Six thousand three hundred tickets had been sold , and about 2000 lodges were represented . In the front row in each tier sat officers wearing thoir purple and gold aprons and collars , and most of them glittering with jeAvels . On the right and left of the dais was a fringe of crimson collars . Behind the wearers of the purple were
several rows of light blue collars and silver emblems , and in rear of them again were the Master Masons who had not yet attained collar rank . Six thousand brethren thus attired , and all wearing Avhite kid aprons and gloves , made a Avondrously pretty sight , and Avhen the trumpets announced the approach of the procession , aud all stood up to
welcome and greet . the Grand Master , the scene was impressiA ** ely grand . The seats had , with certain special exceptions , been alloted in the order of priority of application , and the arrangements Avere carried out by a large staff of Stewards with a precision which
contributed not a little to the agreeable character of the gathering . Under the great organ had been erected a dais , carpeted with scarlet cloth , on whicli stood the throne of the Grand Master , gorgeous in purple and gold , and surmounted with the Prince of Wales ' s feathers , flanked on either side with the globes . In the background hung the
Prince ' s banner , with the motto " Audi , vide , tace , ' amidst a forest of luxuriant palms ; the front of the dais was adorned with a Avealth of hothouse plants , ferns , and floAvers . In front of the throne stood a
richly-upholstered pedestal , bearing the gavel and a quaint silver inkstand ( which had been bequeathed to Bro . Penn by the late Grand Secretary , Bro . John Hervey ) , intended for the Grand Master ' s use in signing the Address to the Queen .
To the rig ht and left of the throne Avere chairs for the members of the Royal Family and other distinguished visitors . Behind , the richly decorated orchestra piovided accommodation for eminent members of the Craft from all parts of the Empire , especially notable amongst Avhom Avere the representatives of the eighteen " Red
Apron" Lodges , Avhich have the exclusive privilege of sending Grand SteAvards to the annual festivals . The SteAvards , Avho carried their wands of office , and the green aprons and collars of the Scotch Lodges blended admirably with the purple and gold of the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodges and the garter blue , Avhich was the
predominating colour in the clothing of the majority of the brethren . Daring the interval Avhich elapsed before the arrival of the Grand Master a selection of music Avas played on the organ . A feAv minutes before four o ' clock a fanfare of trumpets announced that the
Prince had arrived . At four o ' clock the head of the procession entered the Hall at the door opposite the dais . It consisted of all thc Grand Officers , Present and Past , in due order of precedence , and clad in their handsome purple , and gold chains . The organist played a Grand March as the procession passed across the hall to the dais .
The appearance of the Grand Master Avas hailed Avith round after round of cheering , which the Prince repeatedly acknowledged before taking his seat . On his right were the Duke of Connaught , looking in excellent health and spirits , the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , the Maharajah of Kuch Behar , in a sumptuous costume of
purple velvet , embroidered Avith gold , Bro . Shackleton , Q . C , Deputy Grand Master of Ireland , Lord Methuen , and Lord Wolseley . On the left of the throne sat Prince Albert Victor , Senior Grand Warden ; the Earl of Lathom , Deputy Grand Master ; General Dominis , of Hawaii ; the Earl of Rosslyn , Deputy Grand Master of Scotland ;
Lord Leigh , and Lord Sheffield . The banners of the Grand Lodge and of the Grand Master , Avhich had been carried in the procession , were placed at the side of the throne , and assisted in completing Avhat at this moment was a suberb coup d ' wil . The Address to the Queen Avas carried with the utmost enthusiasm , and each of the
brethren on whom Past Grand honours were subsequently conferred was cordially greeted , the Maharajah of Kuch Behar especially so . The Prince of WALES , in opening the proceedings , said : Brethren , This is , I think , one of the largest gatherings of Freemasons that I have ever seen , with the exception of the occasion when you conferred
upon me the high honour of installing me as your Grand Master . ( Cheers . ) It is most gratifying to me , as I feel sure it will also be to the Queen , that so large a gathering as the one assembled here to-day has taken place for the purpose of doing honour to her on the fiftieth anniversary of her accession to the Throne . It Avill be a
proof to her , as it is also to me , of the great devotion and loyalty to the Throne manifested by the Free and Accepted Masons of England . ( Cheers . ) Brethren , Ave are met here to-day for the purpose of moving an Address to the Queen to congratulate her on having attained the fiftieth anniversary of her reign , ( Cheers . ) You are
The Masonic Celebration Of Her Majesty's Jubilee At The Albert Hall.
Avell aware that my ancestors , former Sovereigns of England , havo always done all they could to support Masonry , for they kuew thafc though Ave are a secret Society , we are in no wise a dangerous one ( Cheers . ) Brethren , among our tenets , and I may say our mottoes ' loyalty and philanthropy are two of Avhich Ave are especially proud '
( Cheers . ) It is most gratifying to me , as I said before , to see s 0 ' large , so important , and so influential a gathering , ancl I am sure that in the events which are about to take place to celebrate the Jubilee of the Queen , this meeting in the Albert Hall of Freemasons Avill
stand one of the first in the list . ( Cheers ) . I am not here to make a long speech , so we must get to bnsiness , and I Avill noAV call upon the Pro Grand Master ( Lord Carnarvon ) to move the first resolution , but before that is done I Avould ask the Grand Secret ary to read tho address .
The GRAND SECRETARY * ( Colonel Clerke ) then read the foilowino-Address -. — 5
TO THE QJFEEX ' S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY . Wo , your Majesty ' s mosfc loyal and faithful subjects , the Free aud Accepted Masons under tho United Grand Lodge of England , most respectfully desire to approach the Throne on the auspicious occasion of your Majesty having comp leted the fiftieth year of your reign over the United Kingdom of Great Britain aud Ireland , to assure your Majesty of our fervent and unabated attachment to yonr Throne and Royal person .
Founded as our ancient Institution is on principles of unswerving loyalt y to our Sovereign and fidelity to our country , wo rejoice to think that the great increase of om * Order in all parts of your Majesty ' s dominions is in unison with the Avelfare of the nation ancl the maintenance of the established Institutions of the land , which ifc will over be our earnest desire to preserve inviolate .
We would humbly express our gratitude to the Great Architect of the Universe for having * spared your Majesty to reign over these realms for so oxtended a period , and AVO do pray that He may continue to preserve your Majesty to rule with that full Sovereignty Avhich affection can alone ensure tho hearts of your faithful subjects , and more especially of the Fraternity whicu we to-day represent * .
May the Almighty vouchsafe to your Majesty a long and happy continuance of your reign over a loyal and devoted people . Dated at thc Ro 3 * al Albert Hall , London , this 13 th day of June , 188 ? , ALBERT EDWARD , Grand Master . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , Grand Secretary . The address , Avhich was beautifully illuminated on vellum , and has the seal of Grand Lodge attached to ifc , was enclosed in a casket of chaste design which
Avas surmounted by the Imperial Crown , the Monogram V . R . I ., and two Medallions , one being a portrait of Her Majesty and the other a representation of tho Arms of the United Grand Lodge , together with a scroll containing the Avoids Jubilee , June , 1837—June , 1887 . Each of the corners is decorated with a gold plate , having * the Eose , Shamrock and Thistle , and the Square and Compasses
engraved thereon . A plate on the front bears the following inscription : —THE LOYAL AXD DUTIFUL ADDRESS OF THE FREEMASONS OF ENGLAND TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN , 13 TH JUNE , 1887 . The casket was designed and manufactured aud the address illuminated by Bro . GEORGE KENNING of Little Britain and Great Qneen Street , London .
The Earl of CARNARVON , in moving the adoption of the Address , said : Most Illustrious Grand Master , your Royal Highnesses , and Brethren , —I hold it no light honour , Sir , that you have been pleased to confer upon me in desiring me to move the adoption of this address to her Majesty the Queen . It is carried , Sir , already by acclamation
—( cheers)—and m moving it I can best begin by repeating your Royal Highness ' s Avords . I see around me representatives from every part of the civilised Avorld , for it is tho prerogative of Masonry that it has lodges in every part of the globe . But , Sir , whilst it has been alleged—I care not AA'ith IIOAV much trul ' i—against some branches of
our Order that they have been the friends of revolution , and the enemies of government , as yon havo truly said , Sir , to-day , in English Freemasonry order and law and loyalty to our Sovereign are the pillars of our ancient Institution . ( "Cheers . ) Your Royal Highness alluded to those of your Royal ancestors who have been patrons of
the Craft . I believe , if I am not mistaken , that there have been 17 of the Princes of the blood Royal of England Avho have belonged to Freemasonry . ( Cheers . ) May I go a step further and remind you that her Majesty the Queen is tlie daughter of a Freemason—( cheers )—that her uncles had been in Freemasonry , that her Royal sons are
Freemasons , ancl that she has a grandson in the Order . ( Cheers . ) Sir , I might remind this great meeting of the vast increase of English Freemasonry during the reign of her Majesty , and I might remind them also of the great increase which has resulted from your Royal Highness ' s reign . ( Cheers . ) But on this occasion our hearts rather
turn to the wearer of the English Crown to assure her of the loyalty and devotion of Freemasons , to assure her that among the millions of her subjects Avho own her SAvay , whether among high or IOAV , rich or poor , there are none AVIIO are animated Avith more heartfelt loyal devotedness to her Throne than the Freemasons of Eng land .
( Cheers . ) Your Royal Highness spoke of the fiftieth year . Fifty years are not Avords to be lightly spoken . There are but three Sovereigns in English history AVIIO have ruled for half a century , all names that recall great Avorks , the Third Henry , the Third Edward , the Third George . It is a long period in the ' life of an individual ,
it is even a long period in the life of a nation when , measured by events such as those which have been cioAvded within the last halfcentury — ( applause ) — dangers threatened , successes achieved , troubles passed through , and reforms accomplished . Above all ,
have seen during those 50 years thrones crumbled to the dust , dynasties overthrown , kingdoms disappear , new kingdoms created , ' storm s sweeping over the face of the Avorld , and the map of Europe remodelled . At home vie have been at peace . ( Cheers . ) We celebrate to-day the Jubilee of the beneficent rule of that delicate hand
thathas presided over the Government of England . We have seen industrial progress moving with gigantic strides ; science passing into depths that we had never suspected before ; and 1 hope and AVOUICI fain believe many of the social changes accomplished Avhich hav 6 made men and women better and happier than they were before .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masonic Celebration Of Her Majesty's Jubilee At The Albert Hall.
THE MASONIC CELEBRATION OF HER MAJESTY'S JUBILEE AT THE ALBERT HALL .
The Albert Hall was on Monday for the second time the scene of a brilliant and impressive ceremony . On the occasion of the instalation of onr Royal Grand Master , twelve years ago , _ thc number was somewhat larger , and the proceedings were more strictly of a Masonic character , Grand Lodge having been opened in due form ; but as an
imposing spectacle we question if that ever memorable meeting was not surpassed by the one on Monday . The absolutely perfect arrangements made by the Grand Director of Ceremonies , Sir Albert Woods , the arduous Avork of Bro . T . Fenn , on whom devolved the
organisation and the working out of every detail in connection with the seating and arrangement of the brethren , and the equally painstaking labours of the Grand Secretary , Bro . Col . Shadwell Gierke , have resulted in a perfect success .
Six thousand three hundred tickets had been sold , and about 2000 lodges were represented . In the front row in each tier sat officers wearing thoir purple and gold aprons and collars , and most of them glittering with jeAvels . On the right and left of the dais was a fringe of crimson collars . Behind the wearers of the purple were
several rows of light blue collars and silver emblems , and in rear of them again were the Master Masons who had not yet attained collar rank . Six thousand brethren thus attired , and all wearing Avhite kid aprons and gloves , made a Avondrously pretty sight , and Avhen the trumpets announced the approach of the procession , aud all stood up to
welcome and greet . the Grand Master , the scene was impressiA ** ely grand . The seats had , with certain special exceptions , been alloted in the order of priority of application , and the arrangements Avere carried out by a large staff of Stewards with a precision which
contributed not a little to the agreeable character of the gathering . Under the great organ had been erected a dais , carpeted with scarlet cloth , on whicli stood the throne of the Grand Master , gorgeous in purple and gold , and surmounted with the Prince of Wales ' s feathers , flanked on either side with the globes . In the background hung the
Prince ' s banner , with the motto " Audi , vide , tace , ' amidst a forest of luxuriant palms ; the front of the dais was adorned with a Avealth of hothouse plants , ferns , and floAvers . In front of the throne stood a
richly-upholstered pedestal , bearing the gavel and a quaint silver inkstand ( which had been bequeathed to Bro . Penn by the late Grand Secretary , Bro . John Hervey ) , intended for the Grand Master ' s use in signing the Address to the Queen .
To the rig ht and left of the throne Avere chairs for the members of the Royal Family and other distinguished visitors . Behind , the richly decorated orchestra piovided accommodation for eminent members of the Craft from all parts of the Empire , especially notable amongst Avhom Avere the representatives of the eighteen " Red
Apron" Lodges , Avhich have the exclusive privilege of sending Grand SteAvards to the annual festivals . The SteAvards , Avho carried their wands of office , and the green aprons and collars of the Scotch Lodges blended admirably with the purple and gold of the officers of the Provincial Grand Lodges and the garter blue , Avhich was the
predominating colour in the clothing of the majority of the brethren . Daring the interval Avhich elapsed before the arrival of the Grand Master a selection of music Avas played on the organ . A feAv minutes before four o ' clock a fanfare of trumpets announced that the
Prince had arrived . At four o ' clock the head of the procession entered the Hall at the door opposite the dais . It consisted of all thc Grand Officers , Present and Past , in due order of precedence , and clad in their handsome purple , and gold chains . The organist played a Grand March as the procession passed across the hall to the dais .
The appearance of the Grand Master Avas hailed Avith round after round of cheering , which the Prince repeatedly acknowledged before taking his seat . On his right were the Duke of Connaught , looking in excellent health and spirits , the Earl of Carnarvon , Pro Grand Master , the Maharajah of Kuch Behar , in a sumptuous costume of
purple velvet , embroidered Avith gold , Bro . Shackleton , Q . C , Deputy Grand Master of Ireland , Lord Methuen , and Lord Wolseley . On the left of the throne sat Prince Albert Victor , Senior Grand Warden ; the Earl of Lathom , Deputy Grand Master ; General Dominis , of Hawaii ; the Earl of Rosslyn , Deputy Grand Master of Scotland ;
Lord Leigh , and Lord Sheffield . The banners of the Grand Lodge and of the Grand Master , Avhich had been carried in the procession , were placed at the side of the throne , and assisted in completing Avhat at this moment was a suberb coup d ' wil . The Address to the Queen Avas carried with the utmost enthusiasm , and each of the
brethren on whom Past Grand honours were subsequently conferred was cordially greeted , the Maharajah of Kuch Behar especially so . The Prince of WALES , in opening the proceedings , said : Brethren , This is , I think , one of the largest gatherings of Freemasons that I have ever seen , with the exception of the occasion when you conferred
upon me the high honour of installing me as your Grand Master . ( Cheers . ) It is most gratifying to me , as I feel sure it will also be to the Queen , that so large a gathering as the one assembled here to-day has taken place for the purpose of doing honour to her on the fiftieth anniversary of her accession to the Throne . It Avill be a
proof to her , as it is also to me , of the great devotion and loyalty to the Throne manifested by the Free and Accepted Masons of England . ( Cheers . ) Brethren , Ave are met here to-day for the purpose of moving an Address to the Queen to congratulate her on having attained the fiftieth anniversary of her reign , ( Cheers . ) You are
The Masonic Celebration Of Her Majesty's Jubilee At The Albert Hall.
Avell aware that my ancestors , former Sovereigns of England , havo always done all they could to support Masonry , for they kuew thafc though Ave are a secret Society , we are in no wise a dangerous one ( Cheers . ) Brethren , among our tenets , and I may say our mottoes ' loyalty and philanthropy are two of Avhich Ave are especially proud '
( Cheers . ) It is most gratifying to me , as I said before , to see s 0 ' large , so important , and so influential a gathering , ancl I am sure that in the events which are about to take place to celebrate the Jubilee of the Queen , this meeting in the Albert Hall of Freemasons Avill
stand one of the first in the list . ( Cheers ) . I am not here to make a long speech , so we must get to bnsiness , and I Avill noAV call upon the Pro Grand Master ( Lord Carnarvon ) to move the first resolution , but before that is done I Avould ask the Grand Secret ary to read tho address .
The GRAND SECRETARY * ( Colonel Clerke ) then read the foilowino-Address -. — 5
TO THE QJFEEX ' S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY . Wo , your Majesty ' s mosfc loyal and faithful subjects , the Free aud Accepted Masons under tho United Grand Lodge of England , most respectfully desire to approach the Throne on the auspicious occasion of your Majesty having comp leted the fiftieth year of your reign over the United Kingdom of Great Britain aud Ireland , to assure your Majesty of our fervent and unabated attachment to yonr Throne and Royal person .
Founded as our ancient Institution is on principles of unswerving loyalt y to our Sovereign and fidelity to our country , wo rejoice to think that the great increase of om * Order in all parts of your Majesty ' s dominions is in unison with the Avelfare of the nation ancl the maintenance of the established Institutions of the land , which ifc will over be our earnest desire to preserve inviolate .
We would humbly express our gratitude to the Great Architect of the Universe for having * spared your Majesty to reign over these realms for so oxtended a period , and AVO do pray that He may continue to preserve your Majesty to rule with that full Sovereignty Avhich affection can alone ensure tho hearts of your faithful subjects , and more especially of the Fraternity whicu we to-day represent * .
May the Almighty vouchsafe to your Majesty a long and happy continuance of your reign over a loyal and devoted people . Dated at thc Ro 3 * al Albert Hall , London , this 13 th day of June , 188 ? , ALBERT EDWARD , Grand Master . SHADWELL H . CLERKE , Grand Secretary . The address , Avhich was beautifully illuminated on vellum , and has the seal of Grand Lodge attached to ifc , was enclosed in a casket of chaste design which
Avas surmounted by the Imperial Crown , the Monogram V . R . I ., and two Medallions , one being a portrait of Her Majesty and the other a representation of tho Arms of the United Grand Lodge , together with a scroll containing the Avoids Jubilee , June , 1837—June , 1887 . Each of the corners is decorated with a gold plate , having * the Eose , Shamrock and Thistle , and the Square and Compasses
engraved thereon . A plate on the front bears the following inscription : —THE LOYAL AXD DUTIFUL ADDRESS OF THE FREEMASONS OF ENGLAND TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN , 13 TH JUNE , 1887 . The casket was designed and manufactured aud the address illuminated by Bro . GEORGE KENNING of Little Britain and Great Qneen Street , London .
The Earl of CARNARVON , in moving the adoption of the Address , said : Most Illustrious Grand Master , your Royal Highnesses , and Brethren , —I hold it no light honour , Sir , that you have been pleased to confer upon me in desiring me to move the adoption of this address to her Majesty the Queen . It is carried , Sir , already by acclamation
—( cheers)—and m moving it I can best begin by repeating your Royal Highness ' s Avords . I see around me representatives from every part of the civilised Avorld , for it is tho prerogative of Masonry that it has lodges in every part of the globe . But , Sir , whilst it has been alleged—I care not AA'ith IIOAV much trul ' i—against some branches of
our Order that they have been the friends of revolution , and the enemies of government , as yon havo truly said , Sir , to-day , in English Freemasonry order and law and loyalty to our Sovereign are the pillars of our ancient Institution . ( "Cheers . ) Your Royal Highness alluded to those of your Royal ancestors who have been patrons of
the Craft . I believe , if I am not mistaken , that there have been 17 of the Princes of the blood Royal of England Avho have belonged to Freemasonry . ( Cheers . ) May I go a step further and remind you that her Majesty the Queen is tlie daughter of a Freemason—( cheers )—that her uncles had been in Freemasonry , that her Royal sons are
Freemasons , ancl that she has a grandson in the Order . ( Cheers . ) Sir , I might remind this great meeting of the vast increase of English Freemasonry during the reign of her Majesty , and I might remind them also of the great increase which has resulted from your Royal Highness ' s reign . ( Cheers . ) But on this occasion our hearts rather
turn to the wearer of the English Crown to assure her of the loyalty and devotion of Freemasons , to assure her that among the millions of her subjects Avho own her SAvay , whether among high or IOAV , rich or poor , there are none AVIIO are animated Avith more heartfelt loyal devotedness to her Throne than the Freemasons of Eng land .
( Cheers . ) Your Royal Highness spoke of the fiftieth year . Fifty years are not Avords to be lightly spoken . There are but three Sovereigns in English history AVIIO have ruled for half a century , all names that recall great Avorks , the Third Henry , the Third Edward , the Third George . It is a long period in the ' life of an individual ,
it is even a long period in the life of a nation when , measured by events such as those which have been cioAvded within the last halfcentury — ( applause ) — dangers threatened , successes achieved , troubles passed through , and reforms accomplished . Above all ,
have seen during those 50 years thrones crumbled to the dust , dynasties overthrown , kingdoms disappear , new kingdoms created , ' storm s sweeping over the face of the Avorld , and the map of Europe remodelled . At home vie have been at peace . ( Cheers . ) We celebrate to-day the Jubilee of the beneficent rule of that delicate hand
thathas presided over the Government of England . We have seen industrial progress moving with gigantic strides ; science passing into depths that we had never suspected before ; and 1 hope and AVOUICI fain believe many of the social changes accomplished Avhich hav 6 made men and women better and happier than they were before .